Teenagers Tied To Vandalism

June 14, 2002|By ANDRE J. BOWSER; Courant Staff Writer

SUFFIELD — Police departments from two states are still investigating a disturbance that took place last month at Suffield High School, but one of four teenagers charged in the incident will have his day in court next week.

Erik J. Syzmula, 17, was charged with third-degree criminal mischief and released on a promise to appear in court in Enfield on Tuesday.

Three of the Massachusetts teenagers were charged with simple trespassing and face fines of $77.

Police were dispatched to the high school the morning of May 31 after receiving reports of several trespassers on the grounds. When police arrived they saw vehicles being driven erratically by teenagers.

The teens were honking their horns and racing through the school parking lot and athletic field. Police said they also saw a number of the teenagers vandalizing other vehicles parked in the lot before they were able to intervene.

The police weren't the only witnesses to the disturbance. Some students and faculty left the building and recorded the license plate numbers of the vehicles.

The teens were also accused of damaging the school's athletic field, where Saturday's commencement ceremony was to be held. The school now plans to hold the graduation on the front lawn instead.

``It's not going to be the same -- it will still be a great graduation,'' guidance counselor Ned Sullivan said.

Suffield police said they were working with their counterparts in Southwick, Mass., to learn more about what incited the disturbance.